Pests to know in Springfield
Termites in Springfield
MU Extension reports four termite species occurring naturally in Missouri, and all of the state's native Reticulitermes termites are subterranean.[5]
Invasive species reported here
The Missouri Department of Agriculture says emerald ash borer was found in Wayne County in southeast Missouri in July 2008; suspected infestations in unconfirmed counties go to the state entomologist.[7]
Pests local experts flag
- About fifteen bat species typically occur in Missouri; all are protected under the Wildlife Code, and three are classified as state endangered.[8]
- Missouri has no hunting or trapping season for armadillos, but the Wildlife Code allows damage-causing armadillos to be trapped or shot to prevent further damage.[9]
Climate
Central Springfield (ZIP 65806) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6b, where the average coldest winter night is -5 to 0°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Springfield-Greene County Health Department lists alpha-gal syndrome, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and Bourbon virus among the diseases transmitted by ticks.[1]
- The Springfield-Greene County Health Department does not test kissing bugs and directs residents with suspected specimens to the CDC or MU Extension in Greene County at 417-881-8908.[1]
- Inside Springfield city limits, Springfield-Greene County Animal Control investigates animal bites, handles rabies complaints and picks up injured wildlife.[2]
Local rules and responsibilities
Springfield's health department says no state or local laws address bed bugs in rental property; renters facing structural pest entry can call Building Development Services at (417) 864-1056 about a complaint.[1]
Hiring a licensed company
Missouri certified commercial applicators must recertify every three years, and those seeking structural categories 7A, 7B or 7C must show pesticide experience or a relevant associate degree.[6]
Free local help
MU Extension in Greene County accepts plant and insect samples at its Master Gardener Hotline room for identification, and provides pest, weed and disease management recommendations.[4]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Greene County's Master Gardener hotline, 417-874-2963, is staffed 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays from March through October; at other times callers can leave a message.[3]
- Spring
- In Missouri, eastern subterranean termites make their swarming flights in spring, usually on a warm, sunny day after rain.[5]
Sources
- Springfield-Greene County Health Department, “Bug-Related Illness.” www.springfieldmo.gov/2892/Bug-Related-Illness (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Springfield-Greene County Health Department, “Animal Control.” www.springfieldmo.gov/2889/Animal-Control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Missouri Extension, “Extension Master Gardener — Greene County.” extension.missouri.edu/counties/greene/extension-master-gardener (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Missouri Extension, “Services — Greene County.” extension.missouri.edu/counties/greene/services (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Missouri Extension, “Subterranean Termites.” extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7420 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Missouri Department of Agriculture, “Pesticide Program.” agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pesticides/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Missouri Department of Agriculture, “Emerald Ash Borer.” agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pests/emeraldash.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Missouri Department of Conservation, “Bat Control.” mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/nuisance-problem-species/bat-control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Missouri Department of Conservation, “Armadillo Control.” mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/nuisance-problem-species/armadillo-control (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 65806 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/65806.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)